Wednesday, November 2, 2011

I Am a Marathoner

I kicked 26.2’s ass, clocking in at a respectable 4:24:24. (Even with a potty-break mid-course.) And it wasn’t as hard as I expected. I never “hit the wall” after mile 20. I mean, it got harder at the end, but I never considered walking instead of running when the going got tough because that would mean a slower finish time. (Ego is a powerful thing.)

My marathon experience was somewhat trite in that I almost cried near the end of the course – not because I hurt, but because I was so emotional thinking about my journey over the past 3 ½ years. (Screw random health conditions!) The whole experience was an affirmation that I am tough, sturdy, and that I can do hard things. It was a really good day.

Also, I have to note some of the creative signs that kept me entertained along the way. In the spirit of David Letterman’s old Top 10 lists, here were my own top 10 favorite signs spotted along the MCM course:

10. Someone is chasing you
9. There is a Kenyan ahead of you
8. Your feet hurt because you’re kicking so much ass
7. Run like you stole something
6. Zombies behind you
5. Chuck Norris never ran a marathon
4. You’re winning!
3. You exercise really good
2. This is the worst parade ever! (Where’s my candy?)
1. Because 26.3 would be crazy